Iceland

SPECTACULAR WATERFALLS & THE BLACK BEACH

Today we explore Iceland’s delightfully diverse south west shoreline firstly climbing through a remarkable lunar like landscape of multi-coloured lava plateaux, through the Threngli Pass and descending across the sparkling River Olufsa – famous for its excellent salmon. Some of Iceland’s prettiest landscapes now lie before you as we pass farms and charming villages set amongst pleasant pastures – keep an eye open for the exceptionally hardy Icelandic horses. To the north you can see Myrdalsjokull and Eyjfjalla Glaciers - the latter famous for its volcano below, which infamously halted Europe’s air traffic in 2010.

We head for two of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss tumbles ribbon-like over a great overhanging lava cliff whilst Skogafoss is one of the country’s highest, plunging some 60 metres in an impressive shower of shimmering spray. The natural wonders continue as we approach the imposing wall of ice forming the snout of the immense Solheimajokull Glacier. You may notice a sulphurous hint in the air here, as the waters emanating from the glacier here are called “Stinking River” due to the sulphurous acid content absorbed from the hot geothermal rocks beneath your feet. Next we travel to Reynisfjara, close to Iceland’s southernmost point, to see the famous black-sand beach. Depending on the time of the year, you may be lucky enough to spot the renowned Atlantic puffin colonies.

WHALE WATCHING & BLUE LAGOON

After a breakfast we experience something completely different, departing the old harbour seeking arguably the planets most graceful creatures, whales and dolphins. Depending on conditions and with luck you may see grand Humpbacks and spectacular Killer Whales, but more normally delightful Minkes. Dolphins are prevalent too and there is nothing quite like that moment when a first fin is spotted or a giant of the ocean astonishingly breaks the surface in front of your eyes. Countless endearing puffins nest here and depending on conditions can be seen hurtling around the waters and cliffs entertain themselves as much as you in a remarkable display of colour and aquabatics.

Early afternoon we have a sightseeing tour of Reykjavik situated around its natural harbour on a fjord. Dominating the skyline is the impressive Hallgrimskirkja church – Iceland’s largest, its extraordinary bell tower inspired by the shapes of cooling lava columns. You will see the monument to the explorer Leif Eriksson whose discovery of America pre-dates that of Columbus by around 500 years. Plus there is the house where Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev historically first met in 1986. Nearby is the modern day home of the Althingi, the world’s oldest parliament. The fishing harbour is a fascinating quarter, redolent of timeless scenes as weather-beaten trawlermen returned with the hard won fruits of nature.

To end our day we visit an Icelandic icon, the Blue Lagoon, should you wish you can take a bathing experience you will never forget. Volcanic rocks hide a wonderland of steaming, mineral-rich waters, geothermally heated to a constant 38c deg in a stunning setting. Entrance fees to the Blue Lagoon are included.

GOLDEN CIRCLE

Today we embark on a full day tour around the Golden Circle, aptly named due to its dramatic cocktail of amazing geology, geography, politics, history, culture, raw natural energy but most of all scenery which takes your breath away. Iceland has literally spilled into the sea from the “Mid Atlantic Rift” where the two great American and Eurasian tectonic plates tear apart. Firstly we drive past steam jets ominously and noisily erupting from the bare earth, seemingly from a submerged steam train. Normally hidden from our gaze, we astonishingly experience the dramatic effects of these massive forces at Thingvellir. Here you stroll along a striking chasm left as the plates diverge leaving two great rock scars either side – stretch out and you literally touch both continents simultaneously! Continuing to the Hvita river, just upstream lies a layer of varying rock ‘pavements’ and as we approach this wild location a distant smoke-like spray column rises above the lava fields. This incredible natural wonder promotes complete awe and you will immediately understand why the locals named them Gullfoss – the Golden Waterfalls.

Next a third spectacular natural phenomenon, the Haukadalur, one of the world’s most active geothermal areas. Here you experience the amazing Strokkur, a pool of slowly bubbling, gurgling, steaming water quietly simmering away until, with almost no warning, it erupts with a roar in a towering jet of steam shooting 20 metres or more above your head. Strokkur is the most impressive geyser, an unpredictable phenomenon named after the biggest hereabouts known locally as Geysir. By now you really feel you are in an unknown ‘other world’ where nature dominates and the planet is young, a land devoid of trees and almost of grass itself – its work in progress and a glimpse of our own country millions of years ago. We then return to our hotel after an incredible day.

RETURN FLIGHT

Today you will be taken to the airport at the appropriate time for your return flight home after a thoroughly memorable tour.